Want to Build a Family History Legacy Book

The Three R’s of Genealogy

Research, Reading and Writing are the three R’s in genealogy. In my mind, these 3 components are essential elements to any family history research project. Depending on where you are in your journey will ultimately determine how much time you invest in each of these three areas.

Research
Of course, research is first and foremost in our minds when we think genealogy. When we initially set out it is all about the research. We might spend the majority of our time investing in online research and trips to archives and cemeteries.

As your research progresses your time might shift to seeking out distant cousins and hard to find documents, overcoming brick walls and revisiting websites for new information.

As you move through your research you’ll learn to make smarter research choices, learn to waste less time and be more accurate and precise with your research, leaving more time for the other two R’s.

Reading

We have all heard it, over and over again, how reading is essential to writing, however it is also an important element to research. Therefore reading, hugely supports the other two R’s, research and writing.

For me reading should come first in this list. Reading was a big part of the initial stages of learning genealogy, however, despite what you might think it continues to be a large part of my journey. It seems no matter where I have been in my journey reading has and always will be a key element.

Perhaps what I read changes but how much I read certainly hasn’t decreased. There are a variety of genealogy related materials you can read to further your learning.

1. genealogy blogs
2. family history narratives
3. how to genealogy books
4. newsletters – both blog and genealogical society newsletters
5. family history magazines
6. historical and social histories in both books and websites formats

A combination of the above keeps me busy.

Reading keeps your mind active and creative, providing you with new information and learning. This then aids in your research and writing. Reading helps you move past your brick walls and think outside of the box when researching and writing your family history.

Writing
Once your research is well under way writing might work its way into your genealogy time. I’m not just talking about writing a family history book. There are plenty of other opportunities for writing throughout your journey.

There are also various reasons genealogists write about their family history. For me, writing helps me organize the clutter not only on my desk but in my brain. When I can formulate my research and ideas into stories or articles or blog posts, my mind seems clearer, more focused, ready to move forward.

There are numerous ways that family historians can include writing in their genealogical journey.

1. Write small vignettes piecing together your family facts even if the big family history book is not on the agenda.
2. Write a blog – either to share your family history or your knowledge of genealogy.
3. Keep a journal about your genealogical journey.
4. Many family historians turned to writing articles about their family history experiences and publish them in journals or family history magazines.
5. And of course, writing that infamous family history book.

What is Your 3 R Ratio?

I look at my genealogy time in a 3 R Ratio. How much research vs. writing vs. reading I do. To be honest mine is 40/30/30 - 40% reading, 30% writing and 30% research.

Of course several years ago when I first started out, it was more like 60 research, 10 writing, 30 reading. But as my research levelled out, writing and reading took over. It all depends on where you are in your journey.

Regardless, be aware of the 3 R’s of genealogy. Make sure your embracing all three and adjusting them to your needs as your journey changes and evolves.

I guess my 3 R's have changed so much over time. Sometimes it might be more heavy on research while other times reading or writing. Lately it's been more like 15% Research, 40% Reading and 45% writing. My writing is mostly around my blog, but I also consider writing e-mails to distant cousins who also do research as writing.

Like you, when I started, research was a much bigger piece of the pie. Now, though, I have discovered several outlets for my research and thoughts on the "field" of genealogy in general, so I would say I'm about 60% writing, 20/20 on reading and researching. I have found that random research (in my case, picking an interesting head stone out of the local cemetery) and spending about 2 hours on that, keeps me excited to research when my own family has built brick walls in my way. It's an interesting way to keep that research line going, learn new sources, and do something new. Thanks for another great post! Jenhttp://ancestralbreezes.blogspot.com/

Subscribe To This Blog

The information contained in this blog is free to all who visit. If you find the information valuable and wish to support the mission of The Armchair Genealogist please use the donate button below. Thank you for your support!